Historic Pennypacker Mills to host Victorian Tea

Pennypacker Mills' Victorian Tea on July 13 will take place on the mansion's scenic wrap-around porch overlooking the flowering meadow. Photo courtesy of Pennypacker Mills

During Victorian times, a proper tea included a gathering of dear friends with refreshments and chatter. Today, guests at Pennypacker Mills’ Victorian Tea can have that same experience with great entertainment, too.

Registration is currently open for the Victorian Tea on July 13 at 4 p.m. Seating is limited. The fee is $40 per person.

A new addition this year is the teaming of Pennypacker Mills with The Culinary Arts Institute of Montgomery County Community College under the creative direction of Chef Francine Marz. Guests will enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea complete with tea sandwiches, crème scones and a variety of jams, curds and crème fraiche, mini pastries, and cookies. This new collaboration brings together the creative talents of culinary arts students with the authentic Victorian setting that only Pennypacker Mills can offer.

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Musician Matthew Dodd will entertain guests with stories and songs of old railroad days. Dressed in railroader clothes, Dodd takes his audience on a journey through time, featuring songs about famous engineers, stories about railroad lore and more. Guests will find themselves tapping their feet to Dodd’s lively and reminiscent music.

The tea will take place on the scenic Pennypacker Mills’ mansion wrap-around porch overlooking the flowering meadow. Butlers and maids dressed in proper attire will serve the three-course meal. Tables will be festooned with lace tablecloths, oil lamps, lacy Victorian flowers and beautiful place settings. If possible, participants should wear their best vintage tea dresses and hats to add to the experience. Registrants are asked to call Pennypacker Mills at 610-287-9349 for reservations.

Pennypacker Mills is operated by the County of Montgomery, Division of Parks, Trails, & Historic Sites. Located at 5 Haldeman Road in Schwenksville, this historic site offers year-round guided tours, seasonal events, educational programs, changing exhibits and winter craft programs. Please visit the website for more information: http://www.montcopa.org/pennypackermills.